tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71817008574075070162024-03-13T10:05:45.037-07:00punkrawker blogs onWhere I have been, What I have done....and What I think of it allpunkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-36278678323051456542013-02-25T22:18:00.001-08:002013-02-25T22:18:14.980-08:00A Bus Drivers Dream<div>
Pesky Paperwork stops us from doing this.</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/w6rSw2jpdWc" target="_blank">A Russian Bus Driver Responds to rudeness</a>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-47161086435241232652012-12-28T11:04:00.001-08:002012-12-28T11:04:25.788-08:00San Francisco MUNI Turns 100 today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And a special website with photos and more:</div>
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<a href="http://www.sfmta.com/drp/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74wViNdwXgTrJ64WGFSEn7oOC12sfjqzovEmNFy8Y7zBwAIFxwGy0qwSWNZQ2V8ps81qtAtVptHLRcPHe11OM8twh4RgI1HIlSVdmwQl4oqiYbU3_p7Q-O_lLINEEsv84J7zFnGtSdUxo/s640/Muni+banner.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
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And all rides on the system are free for today!</div>
<br />punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-38700248880881753202012-11-27T12:50:00.000-08:002012-11-27T12:50:18.950-08:00Sampled Vancouver Video<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="323" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xghE6F83gUA" width="575"></iframe><br />punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-59050346952720756152012-10-25T21:17:00.000-07:002012-10-25T21:17:30.469-07:00Catching song/video about our Route 358<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="428" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZEMdHQUt3f4" width="570"></iframe>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-74250939380334475672012-10-25T13:21:00.001-07:002012-10-25T13:21:42.190-07:00BART is celebrating 40 Years! TRUE Rapid Transit!<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O_eCgv6j3-s" width="560"></iframe>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-84609759600316040142012-09-09T19:41:00.002-07:002012-09-09T20:10:13.262-07:00Community Transit vs. TriMet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItcT8flpxJ4W_cdGXqN3kVerzFj3p64JwK49Un11Nnkn6SPBoduW9zhtqWXvpcsJDobv4ef2azo-9vYopBr1hGAtXOG4pfmltAOL47__I7MGhbUCmKWp77NI50tV7sPwGuRWtneVehUcc/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItcT8flpxJ4W_cdGXqN3kVerzFj3p64JwK49Un11Nnkn6SPBoduW9zhtqWXvpcsJDobv4ef2azo-9vYopBr1hGAtXOG4pfmltAOL47__I7MGhbUCmKWp77NI50tV7sPwGuRWtneVehUcc/s320/IMG_3895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
TriMet in Portland <a href="http://trimet.org/alerts/farechanges.htm" target="_blank">just raised fares</a> and slashed more service....and now <a href="http://www.communitytransit.org/" target="_blank">Community Transit</a> in Snohomish County <a href="http://www.communitytransit.org/2013changes/" target="_blank">wants to raise fares</a>, and the agency has no plans to restore its Sunday service. <br />
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What do they have in common? Well besides both having the<a href="http://punkrawker4783.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-does-your-ceo-make.html" target="_blank"> highest paid GMs</a> in the Northwest, many of their riders voice their dissatisfaction on their Facebook pages. See <a href="http://www.facebook.com/communitytransit" target="_blank">Community Transits</a> & <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TriMet" target="_blank">TriMets</a>, fares & poor service seem to be a common theme.<br />
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The main difference is...Community Transit isn't building rail....so there should be <a href="http://www.communitytransit.org/news/messagefromtheceo/" target="_blank">bigger questions for Ms. Eleanor</a>.<br />
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Meanwhile, heres 2009s Salaries at CT, <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8oTKjepZubAQkd4VWNpY05YT3c" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8oTKjepZubAb0ZiXzBSR0QtX1U" target="_blank">Part 2</a>.punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-90781145024134401592012-08-23T21:13:00.001-07:002012-08-23T21:13:46.476-07:00Bellevue Transit Center Timelapse<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VaFerqBDnAs" width="560"></iframe>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-75080572050899424192012-05-24T20:24:00.003-07:002012-05-24T20:25:17.236-07:00PRESTO, A different kind of Smart Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4mIZtMJ6nAg4CYFmfPLj-nm-X1-yKR2yGF0jMw4uEpP7UPmGkdMtUHULbalDmpLg5-_PxHpNvbEW6rn92CUmIiUurZ5QiRbKt-uAza-FEz05z5IVCL60GJEpOukUq-X1MbfVE4XO8ZmD/s1600/552962ac41488415699fdf71293d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4mIZtMJ6nAg4CYFmfPLj-nm-X1-yKR2yGF0jMw4uEpP7UPmGkdMtUHULbalDmpLg5-_PxHpNvbEW6rn92CUmIiUurZ5QiRbKt-uAza-FEz05z5IVCL60GJEpOukUq-X1MbfVE4XO8ZmD/s320/552962ac41488415699fdf71293d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Smart Cards are coming out all over the world for easy and quick ways to pay their transit fare. Here in Seattle we have the <a href="http://www.orcacard.com/ERG-Seattle/p1_001.do" target="_blank">ORCA card</a>. ORCA cards are capable of holding either money loaded on, or a Monthly pass. There are no other products available, or discounts on fare over cash when using the card.<br />
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Cue in <a href="https://www.prestocard.ca/en/" target="_blank">PRESTO</a>. PRESTO is the Greater Toronto and Greater Hamiltons fare card. Like ORCA, it provides transfers betweens transit systems. A few things it doesn't do, you can not purchase at a TVM, and you MUST tap off distance based fare trips or your card will be blocked. Unlike ORCA, your fare is calculated like a BART fare card, it notes where you got on, then charges you when you get off, vs. charging the full fare and crediting the difference at the end. PRESTO also allows a negative balance if you do not have enough, however your card will not work once it goes minus, this includes any transfers. PRESTO costs $6 to buy.<br />
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The reason for this post, is the unique way <a href="http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/fares/presto.aspx" target="_blank">GO Transit</a> fares are paid with this card. Monthly Passes are not available for GO Transit. Instead it is paid as you go. Over cash fares, you save 7.5% on your first 1 thru 35 trips taken, then on trip 36-40 you save 87.5% off the cash fare, and trip 41+ is free in a calendar month. For the regular user, or the occasional user, it saves you money, and if you use it a lot, it works out to a monthly pass. So if you normally use a $2.50 fare, you pay $2.31 your first 35 trips on any bus, 0.31 for the next 5 after 35 is achieved, and then no charge for the rest of the month. There is a target amount if you use different fares, and the system figures that out after you hit 35 trips. So if you use $3 fare some days, 2.25 others, the first 35 trips are 7.5% off, then the remaining trips to be charged are based on the total value of trips taken.<br />
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Other Transit systems offer similar discounts and/or loyalty programs: <a href="http://www3.ttc.ca/Fares_and_passes/Fare_information/Presto_Fare_System/index.jsp" target="_blank">TTC</a> is a 40¢ discount off the cash fare, <a href="http://www.hamilton.ca/CityServices/Transit/Fares+and+Conditions/FaresandConditions.htm" target="_blank">Hamilton Street Railway</a> takes 55¢ off (Monthly Pass available). <a href="http://cms.burlington.ca/Page5756.aspx" target="_blank">Burlington Transit</a> charges you full fare, but after 36 taps in a month it stops charging you for that month. <a href="http://www.brampton.ca/en/residents/transit/Fares/Pages/Welcome.aspx" target="_blank">Brampton</a> & <a href="http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/miway/busfares" target="_blank">MiWay</a> knocks off 60¢. <a href="http://www.oakvilletransit.com/fares.htm" target="_blank">Oakville</a> knocks off 60¢ AND only charges you the first 36 times in a month. The monthly caps are designed to equal the value of a monthly pass over a pay-as-you-go usage system.<br />
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PRESTO is still being rolled out, and does not offer Day or weekly passes yet. But for an e-purse user, not only can they get a discount over the cash fare, but if they end up using it a lot, they still get the benefit of a monthly pass in the end, if your an occasional user, you still save over the cash fare. I think this is a good idea for ORCA.....we all agree it needs to offer a discount over cash fares, but the monthly cap is a great idea, and benefits anyone who uses it.punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-45053182546375619312012-04-25T09:13:00.001-07:002012-04-25T09:14:41.168-07:00Daimler exits transit bus market, End of Orions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnBrKDIhSkwanq3y1vZ6gw7TC6brfHn-OB2I7tgjo8M2rV24fRN5wvfOW2zIwoFxQr2ho30c_lm_Og1_paRFhvrbRWQIg5lAzSEM4wS13Friah-tPIbVCo96-9PbuLmeksY8U7_kuqGee/s1600/SN850018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnBrKDIhSkwanq3y1vZ6gw7TC6brfHn-OB2I7tgjo8M2rV24fRN5wvfOW2zIwoFxQr2ho30c_lm_Og1_paRFhvrbRWQIg5lAzSEM4wS13Friah-tPIbVCo96-9PbuLmeksY8U7_kuqGee/s320/SN850018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Daimler Buses is merging with MCI. In an <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/daimler-buses-reconfigures-operations-in-north-america-2012-04-25">article from Marketwatch</a> today, Orions will cease to exist after all current orders are filled. Daimler with MCI wants to focus more on its motorcoach business. Orders for Orions had to be in by yesterday.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This means the Orions Metro is receiving (7000s) will be collectors items, after we receive the remainder of our order, no more will come in. The Ontario plant will close, and the New York plant will be for service and parts only, as Daimler promises to continue to provide support. The company is not disappearing....yet, so this seems good for now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being that I believe that Metro has what they need on order, the next order of 40' coaches wont be for a while, but it does mean they will have to look elsewhere for the 30' replacements.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-68882474253112425822012-02-08T11:51:00.000-08:002012-02-08T13:16:13.179-08:00TriMets Budget Woes, Part Duex<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSG0Z1lb0xf5LLxb3V2AqkBchxNkEC0HWFg4MRajt7b0h7mPT7F5Dh6GSTKGD9BS-IsuSygrfn7hBWBu1r8AWX9O-NAw-kBUhEoQoGZVWlAv5Cq4fh_9JZwUrkQHW-5pIFgMUcSz-6Z_z/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSG0Z1lb0xf5LLxb3V2AqkBchxNkEC0HWFg4MRajt7b0h7mPT7F5Dh6GSTKGD9BS-IsuSygrfn7hBWBu1r8AWX9O-NAw-kBUhEoQoGZVWlAv5Cq4fh_9JZwUrkQHW-5pIFgMUcSz-6Z_z/s200/IMG_3134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706856202767066194" /></a>Well, <a href="http://www.trimet.org/">TriMet</a> has got out its ax again, and its trimming more off from you. Although this time MAX cuts are on the table, WES however is not. A way over the top fare increase, and bus restructures are proposed as well. Ridership is up tho! Read on to see my crazy, and maybe good ideas.<div><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div>Fares-<br /><div><br /></div><div>Fare increases are never easy, but this time TriMet has not only raised it, they have pushed it a bit too high. The proposal is $2.50 for an adult one-way fare, and monthly passes would go for a whopping $100 a month. Currently fares are $2.10 within 2 zones of travel, and $2.40 for 3 zones of travel. Monthly passes are $81 and $92 respectively. I have two recommendations for this, while it may not raise the "Revenue" TriMet wants, it is important to keep fares where riders from all walks of life can afford them, and choice riders still see it as a value. </div><div><br /></div><div>Proposal #1: Fare is $2.25. Meet the zones half way, plus finally gets it to a quarter increment. The Pass would be $85 (I really favor even denomination numbers). Transfers would be valid in one direction only. Day Pass is $5. MAX Tickets are only valid away from the station of origin. WES fares are $3, Pass is $105/month. </div><div><br /></div><div>Proposal #2: Fare is $1.25 per boarding on all local routes. Express Routes (92, 94, 96) are $1.75 per boarding. MAX is $1.25 per boarding within Portland city limits, $1.75 outside of Portland. (buying your fare from a TVM would need to know where your going, and that fare would be charged). This means any trip that starts and/or ends outside of Portland is $1.75. Monthly Passes are $85 for all routes except WES, which is $105. WES Single Ride cash fare is $3 per boarding, Day Passes not accepted. Transfers are eliminated. (2 boardings equals the current proposal of $2.50 for a trip.) Day Passes are still just $5. This fare structure is very similar to<a href="http://www.metro.net/around/fares"> what LA Metro does</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>In both proposals, Youth fares would be half price, rounded to the nearest quarter. Honor Citizen fares are $0.50 per boarding, $2 Day Pass, $1.50 on WES, $25 Monthly Pass.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tickets would be sold at a 10% discount to encourage prepaid cash fares for the occasional rider. Proposal 2 is my favorite, its simple, pay $1.25 each time you board a vehicle, buy a day pass or monthly pass. Express and Rail fares are a premium fare for farther/quicker travel (1.75). Day Pass solves all fare differences except WES.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bus changes-</div><div><br /></div><div>Much of this i support, as a matter of fact one idea I was wishing they would do, they proposed. </div><div><br /></div><div>The 48 will now travel Cornell from Sunset TC to Hillsboro, skipping the "way out of the way" trip to Willow Creek. The 48 would also return to Sunday excursions! I have also always felt the 67 should term at Merlo MAX (sorry AL), that should improve some on time performance. The 47 will also share with the 48 on Cornell, but will serve part of the old 59 routing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 70 is becoming evil-ing-ly long. How to change that.....</div><div><br /></div><div>The 12 is being shortened and will term at Tigard TC. Now, we need that bus from Tigard to Sherwood. But WAIT, dont stop there, run that bus down Tualatin-Sherwood Road to Tualatin Park & Ride. A long disconnected corridor, can be served. </div><div><br /></div><div>Moving the 77 off of the Streetcar path is a long overdue change, and the 17 probably wont be missed with the 77 going on its old routing.</div><div><br /></div><div>While there are a handful of bus cuts, it appears most are late at night, or early morning, and many of those types of changes have been made here in Seattle. Also, TriMet needs to consider splitting route numbers. The 12 should not be 12 to park rose and Sherwood, should be 12 to Sherwood, 13 to Parkrose, or something like that. Routes that pass thru downtown should change numbers as they leave.</div><div><br /></div><div>MAX-</div><div><br /></div><div>MAX Cuts, No Way!! I think it is almost about right. But its just cuts, what about a little restructure?</div><div><br /></div><div>Red Line: Runs on 5th/6th Av Mall, runs 15min Mon-Fri 6a-7p, 20 min Sa-Su 6a-7p, 30 min all other times.</div><div><br /></div><div>Green Line: Runs to Beaverton Mo-Fr 6a-8:30a, 3p-6p. Turns into Yellow Line at Rose Quarter all other times. Headways are 15 min Mo-Fr 6a-8:30a, 3p-6p, 20 min all other times except 30min after 7p.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yellow Line: Runs to Galleria Mo-Fr 6a-8:30a, 3p-6p. Turns into Green Line at Rose Quarter all other times. Headways are 15 min Mo-Fr 6a-8:30a, 3p-6p, 20 min all other times except 30min after 7p.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blue Line: Routing as-is. Schedule as is, retain 15min service except 20min service on Sundays, 30min service after 10pm Mo-Sa, 9p Su.</div><div><br /></div><div>Headways are "roughly", but it will stop a lot of downtown duplication. There will be less demand for trains downtown due to no free rides.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ads on websites and trackers-</div><div><br /></div><div>No. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sell more ads inside those buses!! The trackways along the tops of the buses are filled with TriMet cards, sell those spots! Sell more Light Rail Stop advertising, currently theres none. Sell advertising at WES stops. TriMet seems to think every rides the light rail, advertise there! Theres ad tracks on the inside of MAX cars too, fill those spots!</div><div><br /></div><div>Eliminate the Free Rail Zone-</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm Good With it. Ours is going away here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cut Programs/Staff-</div><div><br /></div><div>Ummm, so I get theres been a salary "freeze" & positions cut, however, Bonuses need to be cut. Your cutting service, your not doing a good job, no bonus. Also at least a 5-10% salary cut to non-exempt employees. You need to re-evaluate the amount of supervisors you have. If I see 2 or more shooting the bull at a transit center, I see resources that can be better used as operators. Also, theres doesn't seem to be a hiring freeze of non-exempt employees, that needs to be employed NOW!</div><div><br /></div><div>Other-</div><div><br /></div><div>Stop spending money on past date technology, like transfer printers, those are going away under proposal #2 above. Spend that money getting Smart Card technology on board NOW, which will save on operating expenses as soon as its up and running, so why wait?</div><div><br /></div><div>And stop blaming the union for everything. The unionized force delivers the service that you have nothing but excuses for, so knock it off! </div><div><br /></div><div>So TriMets orignal proposal is <a href="http://trimet.org/mailforms/budgetproposal">here</a>, along with ways to comment, including open houses. Be sure to weigh in if you like any of my ideas, or have ones of your own, either way, speak up!</div><div><br /></div><div>Theres a poll over there -----></div><div>Vote on your desired Fare Structure.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-31073970607679099572011-12-18T13:19:00.001-08:002011-12-18T13:38:19.464-08:002011 Comes to a close<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunvAFkNtsTfmeP_IFgAYDiAXgqQJctUDuXUHiluWcwhszKTVYWk3P9yUCLqNYW16BJ21ftyQKJkmJVfciLBY_BgRwiqA496m4DI-tM7BBZD7dvMP8Zxkvtgv76I18H5bOmAszk4JEl_0I/s1600/IMG_4330.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunvAFkNtsTfmeP_IFgAYDiAXgqQJctUDuXUHiluWcwhszKTVYWk3P9yUCLqNYW16BJ21ftyQKJkmJVfciLBY_BgRwiqA496m4DI-tM7BBZD7dvMP8Zxkvtgv76I18H5bOmAszk4JEl_0I/s200/IMG_4330.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687581258588953282" /></a>Well, its that time of year again, time for it to end. Seemed quick, and while I don't feel like I did much this year, looking back i actually did. <div><br /></div><div>So this year biggest event to me was the <a href="http://punkrawker4783.blogspot.com/2011/08/king-county-metro-is-saved-rfa-cut.html">approval of the CRC</a> to save Metro (and my job), and that includes plans to dump the RFA by Oct. </div><div><br /></div><div>While I visit Vancouver quite a bit, a highlight for the year was my visit <a href="http://punkrawker4783.blogspot.com/2011/07/visit-few-rides-on-calgary-transit.html">Calgary</a> for a couple of days (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/punkrawker4783/search?query=calgary">videos are here</a>) and to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/punkrawker4783/search?query=banff">Banff</a> to take in some awesome views. Also had a one day visits to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKB5h6iJKYg&list=UUxFgDUObrAVcQKqDdSDdJWQ&index=33&feature=plcp">Spokane</a> & <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=53791226%40N07&q=ltd&m=text">Eugene</a> for some transit riding.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few other things to mention, the arrival of new buses, including Metros <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=53791226@N07&q=orion">Orions</a> & <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=53791226%40N07&q=de60lfr+metro&m=text">60' Restyled New Flyers</a>, and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=53791226%40N07&q=d60lfr+sound&m=text">Sound Transit 60' non-hybrids</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't forget that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKB5h6iJKYg&list=UUxFgDUObrAVcQKqDdSDdJWQ&index=33&feature=plcp">Al visited us in Seattle</a>, landmark event for him!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I finally get to <a href="http://punkrawker4783.blogspot.com/2011/12/west-coast-express.html">ride the West Coast Express</a> Commuter Rail.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, 2012? Sounder is supposed to extend to Lakewood next fall, major changes at Metro coming soon with routes drastically changing and the Ride Free Area vanishing, I'll be watching.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below is the year end video looking back at this years filmings, don't forget to <a href="http://www.twitter.com/punkrawker4783">follow me on twitter</a> if you don't for blurbs from my travels out and about. Thanks to you for reading and watching, have a great 2012!</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pRq46pFFER0?hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-30586411909692774072011-12-18T11:07:00.001-08:002011-12-18T11:24:49.905-08:00West Coast Express<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PJ-5bVhkynZd7JcJpNO7i5AieLX9DY9K5sEGnTf3RZvVw9lJIeuJaEk0TzkLobA_lPA3ikurmeLvZnaRFHSYCkRszPoEKMKbhwErH3ZUWtzQzYRjBd1ozgn_yUPNSB1xmKKmUdQBbD2l/s1600/IMG_4391.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PJ-5bVhkynZd7JcJpNO7i5AieLX9DY9K5sEGnTf3RZvVw9lJIeuJaEk0TzkLobA_lPA3ikurmeLvZnaRFHSYCkRszPoEKMKbhwErH3ZUWtzQzYRjBd1ozgn_yUPNSB1xmKKmUdQBbD2l/s200/IMG_4391.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687547301919143698" /></a>On Dec 10, Translink hosted its yearly Santa Train event, which includes a ride on the weekday/peak direction only West Coast Express Commuter Rail. This is a very difficult train to catch as a one day trip to Vancouver from here, so its much later departure, plus on a Saturday finally made this possible for me. <div><br /></div><div>Just a few things to comment on about the operations of the WCE. First thing I noticed was a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/6496601973">coffee shop</a> on board the train. Get coffee and snacks all in route. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like Sounder platforms, WCEs platforms are built to accommodate 7 cars, however, our train was a 10 car train. It appears 10 cars trains are a normal operation for them as well as they had the stopping down to a science. Clearly a 10 car train doesn't fit in the platform, so Cars 1 and 10 have the exit doors roped off and disabled, cars 2 and 9 have the doors closest to the end of the train, respectively, roped off in the same manner and only one door opens at stops. All doors open on cars 3-8. Might be the future of Sounder trains if ridership continues to rise.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you purchase a "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/6496607309/in/photostream">Return Ticket</a>", lingo for RT ticket, it provides 2 things Sounder tickets do not. First, one way fare for the entire line is $11.50. A Return Ticket provides a slight discount, $1, AND it is valid on all Skytrains, buses and Seabus all day long! Despite our calls to Sound Transit to give us our day pass back, they refuse. (There is nothing wrong with a day pass Sound Transit, it makes things easy to use and understand, do YOU understand that?) ST should return Day Passes to paper tickets, for all to use. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I was surprised WCE does not have is WiFi. There is none. If your spending upwards of 2 hours on this train per day, sure would be nice. With the high cost of this train, it should be an included service.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall is a very scenic ride, top speed I measured was 120km ph, or 73 mph. They have several <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/6496615517/in/photostream">ticket machines</a> at every station as this train (like all of Translinks services) is honor based fares.</div><div><br /></div><div>I took a few<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/punkrawker4783/search?query=West+Coast+Express"> videos of the ride</a> if you'd like to experience it for a YT point of view. I have hinted at Translink to run a train on a Saturday during the summer, but their response didn't sound promising. So for now it will be cloudy scenic rides.</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-91986486220898967362011-11-03T09:49:00.000-07:002011-11-03T10:18:10.150-07:00Amtrak tests eTicketing in Northeast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxQbK_f-kl_lQoER5MT0agYmgab-tcd1rJVB5yQl9ctAHM24Y4H8HRD3fcGb80JdBO2854BDXrq2Pe1MuHV2pCFrylj6T3VehAWpynJcuGhkS0XO4gVdM5K8YMo1-CSn-mQzb5itnzTu1/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxQbK_f-kl_lQoER5MT0agYmgab-tcd1rJVB5yQl9ctAHM24Y4H8HRD3fcGb80JdBO2854BDXrq2Pe1MuHV2pCFrylj6T3VehAWpynJcuGhkS0XO4gVdM5K8YMo1-CSn-mQzb5itnzTu1/s200/IMG_3756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670815715994454226" /></a>Not in Portland Oregon, but the other Portland. Starting today Amtrak is testing out a new eTicketing program. You will be able to print off your ticket from home and simply take it aboard the train. The conductor will then scan it to mark it redeemed. What makes this even better, this will work with smartphones. You will be able to pull it up (much like Groupon offers) and it can be scanned and redeemed right there with no paperwork at all. Another upside for those forgetfuls, if you lose or misplace the eTicket, you can print another one, unlike paper tickets which are just like cash. Currently this is being tested on the Downeaster line between Boston and Portland ME. <div><br /></div><div>Some details about eTicketing, It can not be used with Multi-Ride tickets, Monthly Passes, Group Tickets, onboard purchases and tickets issued by anyone except Amtrak (i.e. travel agency). Currently any itinerary with travel off the Downeaster line can not use this program yet, unless you purchase the tickets separately from your other travel plans. If all goes well, Amtrak hopes to roll this out across the system in 2012. Another agency joining the paperless revolution. I myself have a smartphone, and its very nice to be able to pull up coupons and paperwork on your phone for viewing or redeeming. Soon, with the recent introduction of <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2008387196_webamericanboarding13.html">mobile boarding passes on some airlines</a>, travel is becoming almost paperless.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150348254081127">Amtraks Facebook post</a></div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-85689989855808844952011-10-26T10:11:00.001-07:002011-10-26T12:45:45.790-07:00TriMets Budget Woes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWGzNoWDKr9MGcViLAoScpiN-lkC0OFBtiyzNLqx3xhBfI4vKmJNqTf1uBVpnTxQnqR1iBzkmgI7hBXw-OZQRPfhg0wROZLLTRFnYgpVCET5PCZnNKsQFOMw5ltMBgAhHEeVZwNGRHIKG/s1600/IMG_3992.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWGzNoWDKr9MGcViLAoScpiN-lkC0OFBtiyzNLqx3xhBfI4vKmJNqTf1uBVpnTxQnqR1iBzkmgI7hBXw-OZQRPfhg0wROZLLTRFnYgpVCET5PCZnNKsQFOMw5ltMBgAhHEeVZwNGRHIKG/s200/IMG_3992.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667849835037290706" /></a>So TriMet is at it again, claiming budget woes on the backs of it riders. According to Twitter reports, TriMet is considering another fare increase, and service cuts. Relying on a method of taxes tied to the job market, what did they expect in a recession? We all know TriMet thinks outside the bus, but never outside the box. One of the Board Reps suggested deleting WES service, since its the largest money loser in TriMets toy box. Why doesn't TriMet look at other possibilities for revenue? While we all know that MAX is a culprit, that they won't admit to, that ship has sailed and been fired at plenty. Heres some ideas, with the first being most import, and probably most controversial.<div><br /></div><div><b>Cut the salaries of all Managers, Directors and Executives by 15%</b>. Most of these employees make over $100,000 per year (Thats anyone with the above words in their titles, or who act in such a capacity). While they say they have had a wage freeze, and cut positions, theres more that can be done here. There are over 100 employees making over $100k per year that fall under the above category. That is a savings of <i>at least</i> $1.5 million! Those who actually provide the service to the riders, have taken a pay cut, in the way of the forced upon Medical Premium sharing costs. The riders have put up with less service, less options. The nation is tightening its belt, and TriMet Admin/Execs has done this in almost every way, except to themselves. These people are selfish to keep making these above average salaries on the backs of its riders. If you can not afford the paycut, then you shouldn't be living outside your means in a economic climate like this, and it certainly shouldn't become the problem of your riders and customers. Take a paycut to preserve service, to preserve jobs, and to do the right thing in this economy.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Add 3% to the Hotel Occupancy Tax </b>This option can only be exercised after the option above has been put into place, its not fair to add taxes when execs are raking it in, and we will not be using these taxes to fund their salaries. In 2009 there were 19,465 hotel rooms available in the Portland area (Vancouver excluded), on average the occupancy rate is 63%, or 12,263 rooms occupied each night. Adding 3% to the tax is $3 per $100 spent on the room. The average room rate is slightly less. This has potential of up to $13 million in annual revenues. If this tax was in acted, it should be put in stone that it can only be used for bus operations. That is Bus Fuel, Bus maintenance, Bus Cleaners, Bus Drivers, VM personnel, Bus Shelters, Bus Flags etc. It may NOT be used for mangers of ANY kind, or capital projects under the exception of bus purchases or Bus Rapid Transit. The funds may not be used for MAX or WES under ANY circumstance. Also, the current operations budget must remain in force, you can not shift money from the current budget from bus to rail because of the new funding, this is made to improve bus service, and maintain high levels of quality bus service all over the region. The tax would only apply to the TriMet service district. This tax effects mostly business travelers and tourists, which many use the Free Rail Zone to get around the city centre. A weekly stay at $100 per night would cost $21 more for the week, its not much, but helps a great bit.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Charge $10 per year to car registrations </b>An option just exercised here in Seattle, this should be a last resort option, and only added if the above two options are insufficient. Owning a car is a luxury, and this is minimal amount to help preserve bus service, or provide better service! This option adds $10 per year, or $20 to your car tab renewal. Theres about 520,000 registered cars in Multnomah county, adding up to $5.2 million per year, not including Washington and Clackamas counties. While this usually doesn't mow over well with car owners, they need be reminded their SOV status is causing much more harm. The terms of spending this revenue would be the same as option 2 above.</div><div><br /></div><div>So its time for the Execs and managers and directors to step up, take a cut until things turn around, and help the agency do what it supposed to do, provide transit service to those who need it most, and to those who are willing to ditch their cars for it. Time to end the top heavy spending that TriMet has so selfishly held on to so tight, and provide a world class transit system. Your budget woes should include high salaries and service cuts at the same time. Once you have done that, then lets start the path to not good bus service, but GREAT bus service!</div><div><br /></div><div>In completely unrelated news, TriMet is <a href="http://agency.governmentjobs.com/trimet/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=345315&hit_count=yes&headerFooter=1&promo=0&transfer=0&WDDXJobSearchParams=%3CwddxPacket%20version%3D%271%2E0%27%3E%3Cheader%2F%3E%3Cdata%3E%3Cstruct%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27FIND%5FKEYWORD%27%3E%3Cstring%3E%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27CATEGORYID%27%3E%3Cstring%3E%2D1%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27TRANSFER%27%3E%3Cstring%3E0%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3Cvar%20name%3D%27PROMOTIONALJOBS%27%3E%3Cstring%3E0%3C%2Fstring%3E%3C%2Fvar%3E%3C%2Fstruct%3E%3C%2Fdata%3E%3C%2FwddxPacket%3E">hiring Part-Time Bus Operators</a>.</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-67799429392042938102011-09-08T10:12:00.001-07:002011-09-08T10:23:52.574-07:00Free Rides dwindling in Portland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8PV87r5ckvtLiciGGwGFB00BvPTvRXlkQfcI9ujXBqr7pqqQj6ndgxphQmZIJN8_zMbhyphenhyphenYAnlAlbHX8ioogW4V_f0kb8_iooCKnr-DJvJlvnwwybKbwAg1IzvwhLvU5DvBFZ9UHDFNG6/s1600/SN850958.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8PV87r5ckvtLiciGGwGFB00BvPTvRXlkQfcI9ujXBqr7pqqQj6ndgxphQmZIJN8_zMbhyphenhyphenYAnlAlbHX8ioogW4V_f0kb8_iooCKnr-DJvJlvnwwybKbwAg1IzvwhLvU5DvBFZ9UHDFNG6/s200/SN850958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650038761640542626" /></a>The <a href="http://portlandafoot.org">Portland Afoot</a> website, or magazine as its referred to is reporting that the Portland Streetcar is about to can the "Free Rail Zone" and leave that for MAX riders only. Making it fair for all riders of the system that will be riding from the eastside to the west as the Streetcar grows in size.<div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, with this plan, the Streetcar plans to charge more, MUCH more for a pass product. Currently the annual pass is $100 (or $8.33 month), the proposed pass will cost up to $45 a month. While it is a far cry from TriMets $81 pass that just increased double the usual price at fare increase time, for those in the NW or S Waterfront areas, it will be quite a jab in the wallet. </div><div><br /></div><div>With all this, there is hope that better fare enforcement is coming, but there are no plans as of yet. Read Michaels <a href="http://portlandafoot.org/2011/09/exclusive-streetcar-staff-wants-to-leave-free-rail-zone/">entire entry</a>, including the <a href="http://portlandafoot.org/w/2011_Streetcar_fare_hike_proposal">fare details</a> on his site, <a href="http://portlandafoot.org/">Portland Afoot</a>.</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-17064416481612450512011-09-08T10:10:00.000-07:002011-09-08T10:12:03.950-07:00Meeting and Vote on the Congestion Reduction Charge<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0mdnMoVFL8Q?hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-35413941543677332882011-08-12T11:07:00.001-07:002011-08-12T11:14:29.379-07:00King County Metro is Saved from deep cuts, RFA going away<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuX5IFOOJYOFEFgeu9d1RDu15J8I032eDrbE0bXtuiu0AqOe2UbkdEI-kzOl1DRMaMRmzWoFqaY_816NK-0yin8sNteYnqFx2BrBTMd0eLN8as-korO9z2D6GB-WEFuE7ksERoXAcVGFo/s1600/SN852568.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuX5IFOOJYOFEFgeu9d1RDu15J8I032eDrbE0bXtuiu0AqOe2UbkdEI-kzOl1DRMaMRmzWoFqaY_816NK-0yin8sNteYnqFx2BrBTMd0eLN8as-korO9z2D6GB-WEFuE7ksERoXAcVGFo/s200/SN852568.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640034496638664594" /></a>
<br />At a press conference this morning, it was announced that the Council has come up with the super-majority votes needed to pass the $20 Congestion Reduction Charge. With the deal, the Downtown Ride Free Area will be phased out by October 2012.<div>
<br /></div><div>So, Metro Service is spared from deep cuts, and pay as you leave is leaving soon. There are some <a href="http://publicola.com/2011/08/12/re-yay-metro-is-saved/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=publicolanews">other parts</a> to the deal, but these are the ones that matter most to me.</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-29357755029138532572011-08-09T19:45:00.001-07:002011-08-09T19:45:33.693-07:00A Day Out: Sulfur Mountain<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/De3RkbvPMZA?hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div>
<br /></div><div>Filmed July 1 2011</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-69203479523338131632011-07-18T20:45:00.000-07:002011-07-19T09:35:58.403-07:00A Car is a Luxury, Transit is a Need<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ek2GyQTFArFyhRADS5v9N3-NXVsg723JIj7PB3S04AnAfFtvHpj2H4wgYSABkd5uW4le_JkxSPHNwL1tY9ohzxDhnURD_N9HVDLhowY8Wn0qe_9TGsz-of9g1Lse2yt0R-e6FJM6eg8O/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ek2GyQTFArFyhRADS5v9N3-NXVsg723JIj7PB3S04AnAfFtvHpj2H4wgYSABkd5uW4le_JkxSPHNwL1tY9ohzxDhnURD_N9HVDLhowY8Wn0qe_9TGsz-of9g1Lse2yt0R-e6FJM6eg8O/s320/IMG_2873.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630908118356134946" /></a>This was in response to many comments I see circulating the internet in regards to the <a href="http://metro.kingcounty.gov/am/future/">$20 car tab fee for transit</a>:<div><br /><div>Because the media feeds info into your head, then you explode it like a turkey in a deep fat fryer into unreasonable assumptions, let help you better see, one life of a Metro Bus driver.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not all Metro Drivers make the top scale, or make $60k a year. I am a Part Time operator, got this job after 16 months of unemployment a little over a year ago. I make $19.93/hour for my first 2 years. My regular shift has ranged in the last year from 2.5 hours to 3.35 hours per DAY! I am able to scrounge for extra work, and I get some here and there. Like over 1000 of my co-workers, I am on track to make around $20,000 this year (many will make less, very few will make more). This is the same as making only $9.61/hour if working a 40-hour week. According to all of you, this apparently calls for a wage reduction, because I am living the high life in my room I rent. Health insurance is not free to every operator. I do not have it, because it would cost me about $130/month, or about $1600 of my $20,000 salary. Everyone thinks we make too much money, of the 2700 or so operators, only 1700 are FT, and make the 60k yearly salary (some do not due to other reasons, like unpaid leaves). Sure, Some do make a lot more, but they worked for it. It wasn't a "Government handout", its not a performance bonus, we don't get those. They put in the extra hours to keep a bus going. Why do I do this, because I enjoy the work, unlike some people, it isn't always about the money.</div><div><br /></div><div>Metro blows exactly $0 on light rail trains. Stop assuming thats their problem. Go knock on Sound Transits door if trains are a problem with you. Sound Transit pays for Metro to operate the trains. If you put a comment out there, saying your not voting yes because Metro needs to stop building trains, then your just the lazy/undereducated one for not learning about things first, and making grand assumptions. Don't forget all those Carpool lanes, those were roadways built with transit dollars. But because you SOV around town, those are of no use to you as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why should you pay for something that you don't use? Well, lets see, you pay for Police, Fire, Schools, Parks, etc. I bet you love the Police when they pull you over for speeding, how about the fire department that you need to yield to, such an inconvenience, you have no kids in school, and you hate the noisy family friendly park......yet your paying for all of it! Transit is a public service, Like Police and Fire, it provides a service to the community in which you live in, and is not out to turn a profit. Its easy for you to say "Cut it". But you know, that sales clerk at Nordstrom that sold you that suit, that server at your favorite lunch spot that delivered your food, how about the IT support guy at your work, they could have all taken the bus. Why? Because on low retail/server salaries, they can not afford the LUXURIES of an automobile. $90/month is better for them, or is more affordable. Some people do not like paying for outrageous parking, or dealing with the current traffic situation. "Cut it" means some of them will not be able to serve you, or show up for work, only making our struggling economy worse. Just because the cost of riding the bus doesn't line up with your car payment, doesn't mean one isn't being "fair". Transit touches everyone in some fashion, be it the clerks at your favorite shops, the gas station attendant, or the fact that my bus kept <a href="http://punkrawker4783.blogspot.com/2010/10/40-people-by.html">100 SOVs off the road</a> and out of your way, don't think because your not using it, that it doesn't effect your quality of life.</div><div><br /></div><div>A change I agree with, Ride Free Area needs to go away. A lot less money could be spent on one bus route that circles downtown, <a href="http://punkrawker4783.blogspot.com/2010/11/take-area-out-of-ride-free-area.html">which I have proposed</a>. Also our Transit GM <a href="http://punkrawker4783.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-does-your-ceo-make.html">makes less than</a> the CEO of Community Transit, close to $30,000k/year less, and look how well they are fairing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The squabble over $20 a year for two years, its $1.67 a month. Pocket change. Either way, you will be paying for it, thru $20/year, or through longer travel times in your SOV on the interstate. And little ol me? Well, if this fails, not to worry, I won't have a job to worry about going to, I will return to your taxpayer funded unemployment and food programs. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>For what its worth, I'd be happy to contribute $20 of my paycheck once a year to help, sound fair?</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-14181583068759056192011-07-06T19:42:00.000-07:002011-07-06T19:43:26.095-07:00A Visit, a Few Rides on Calgary Transit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVACXwfVgqyXrXYqDNAQg4Y1jj31gieXzX4KQ4WdgCQ5jAJUagbw7neVXq7R_qio96ff9ZiuwLMR01RvtBc-yqU-RXYC84Hfrrz961olzzq586bHOEbd2kHw0ToxCDas7J9KcfXlAk6HD/s1600/SN850224.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVACXwfVgqyXrXYqDNAQg4Y1jj31gieXzX4KQ4WdgCQ5jAJUagbw7neVXq7R_qio96ff9ZiuwLMR01RvtBc-yqU-RXYC84Hfrrz961olzzq586bHOEbd2kHw0ToxCDas7J9KcfXlAk6HD/s320/SN850224.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626303085511521986" /></a>Calgary Transit reminds me of the phrase "You don't know what you got until its gone". Real-Time Arrivals, A/C on Buses, Schedules at stops, Smart Card, Easy Access to schedules, TVMs that accept Credit Cards, Bills, and dispense Monthly Passes. These are all things Calgary Transit DOESN'T have. Tho very few machines do have Credit Card readers, they are few and far between. Real-Time Arrivals are coming for Rail in August. Some of my other observations while I toured Calgary on their system.<div><br /></div><div><a name='more'></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Park & Ride lots are plentiful around the Light Rail, but many offer only weekday parking because its being borrowed during that time. We parked at Crowfoot, since we drove in from the West. Upon arrival we were greeted by a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907858428/in/set-72157627003679875">TVM That only takes change</a>. Now since we didn't have $16.50 in change, we had to walk to a nearby 7-11 to get Day Passes. Once on our way, the ride was quick, its only about 20 min to Downtown from the beginning of the line. The trains top out at about 52 mph, and appeared to be partially automated. That is where the train has its own right of way, it drove itself. It was controlled by the driver on surface streets <a href="http://youtu.be/p8cdqmuemC0">like Downtown</a>. Light Rail has NO Priority Downtown. As a matter of fact, it has no signals downtown either. It follows the regular traffic signal cars and peds do. In Downtown, the Trains and buses <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907891312/in/set-72157627003679875">share the same travel lane</a>, but again, no signals. It was not uncommon to see a bus pass by you while you wait for a train, and a train pull in right behind it. Then as a train leaves the station, a Bus is following it right out. This method didn't seem to cause too many back ups with trains or buses, but once in a while a train gets stuck at a light. All trains were 3 cars long and packed at rush hour, with trains 2-3 min apart. No autos are allowed on 7th Ave.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once out of the city, the <a href="http://youtu.be/CZqVBqYsmLs">McKnight Line</a> travels in the center of a main arterial. The ROW had cement barriers on both sides lining the tracks. Intersections had crossing arms, allowing the train to go faster than 35 mph in the middle of a roadway. All the stations have raised platforms, which are not level with the trains high floor entries. Wheelchairs still must deploy a ramp to board (similar to TriMet). Many stations had <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907874156/in/set-72157627003679875">enclosed waiting areas with heaters</a>, for Albertas cold winters. Much like TriMets (newer) MAX Stations and Sound Transits Link, there are no schedules posted at Light Rail Stations, only <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907329209/in/set-72157627003679875">posters with Headways</a>, and first/last trains of the day. The trains were partly comfortable. The older cars have no A/C, and those can get stuffy, even with the windows open. All trains had automated announcements, tho the announcements on the older cars are very hard to hear, and have no readerboards. </div><div><br /></div><div>I only had time to ride one bus line, I picked the BRT 305. I wanted to see how it compares to our own RapidRide Line. It doesn't. They use <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907871400/in/set-72157627003679875">60' LFRs</a> on the route, but they are in the standard Calgary Transit Livery. The seats are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907354913/in/set-72157627003679875">far from comfortable</a>. Theres no automated stop announcements, not even <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907911918/in/set-72157627003679875/">next stop displays</a> (except for the "Next Stop" Stop Requested Sign). Hardly any of the buses destination signs show their destination. Their BRT line is more like Express Service on lets say like the 18 here. There are no BRT "Stations", or<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907908570/in/set-72157627003679875"> glorified stops.</a> So I guess BRT means something different in each city. But RapidRide looks pretty good compared to their BRT.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally I took photos of buses too, when I had the chance. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907322213/in/set-72157627003679875">MCI Classics, NF D40LFs,</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907857212/in/set-72157627003679875">D40LFRs</a> were to be found in service everywhere. It didn't appear any buses have A/C. Most of the buses use the same seats as the D60LFRs, the older buses appeared to use the same seats as the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5907331379/in/set-72157627003679875">light rail trains</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fares are $2.75 for 2 hours, 8.25 for a day pass. The track on 7th Ave Downtown is a "Free Fare Zone". It does not apply to buses. Monthly $90. Books of tickets can be purchased for $24 for 10 tickets (providing a pre-purchased savings). Youth Passes are $54 and are not valid during Summer Break.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Light Rail is honor based as well, and we had our fare checked once each day (once appears in the video above). Much to the complaints of <a href="http://transitsleuth.com/">Transit Sleuth</a> about Metro, you really need to plan ahead to use the Calgary system, with buses destination signs reading only "Route 96" and nothing else, you couldn't just hop a bus to anywhere. I do think they have a text based arrival system, but its scheduled times. After riding Calgary Transit, a lot of the complaints i hear on the twitterverse and blogasphere about Transit here at home seem.....blah!</div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure to check out my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/sets/72157627003679875/">Flickr set of Calgary photos</a>, and YouTube videos. I will still be adding videos over time since those take much longer to upload.</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-76930414031028713782011-06-22T21:49:00.000-07:002011-06-22T22:23:10.089-07:00At a Glance: Spokane Transit Authority<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E5vXEEUxcXkjTtU_ZxDnGCnheZVSVn2qc94XFAVqlzrTciWDrCSDMmiyXFrWz7009uuVZiKW3zcxwjignqDiUgeBZQ9R9UwLaFayJ6tCUZ9ktKgeozUTknbOxlyhIvKOfAfd8mscEdKy/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E5vXEEUxcXkjTtU_ZxDnGCnheZVSVn2qc94XFAVqlzrTciWDrCSDMmiyXFrWz7009uuVZiKW3zcxwjignqDiUgeBZQ9R9UwLaFayJ6tCUZ9ktKgeozUTknbOxlyhIvKOfAfd8mscEdKy/s320/IMG_2971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621273352681620482" /></a><br />A few weeks ago I was able to take a very short trip to Spokane Washington, and ride a little bit of the system there. I uploaded many of my photos to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/sets/72157626779894871/">Flickr</a>, check them to get visuals of the equipment, and "The Plaza". <div><br /></div><a name='more'></a><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I rode the bus from the hotel is was staying at into town, the 61. Was a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5807309302/in/set-72157626779894871">Gillig Low Floor</a>. Upon arriving Downtown, you are dropped off at a massive transfer point known as "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5806749597/in/set-72157626779894871">The Plaza</a>". </div><div><br /></div><div>The Plaza is one block, all STA. On the North and South Sides you will find all the bus zones, The West side had a few shops, and the East side had paratransit bays. Head into the Plaza, you'll find <a href="http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5807321744/in/set-72157626779894871">Schedule Displays</a>, which hold TV monitors of the scheduled arrival times and what zone to find your bus at. Plus all the paper schedules of their routes. Head <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5806755381/in/set-72157626779894871">Upstairs</a>, and youll find the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5806748221/in/set-72157626779894871">Bus Shop</a>, open Mon-Sat to sell you bus passes, answer questions, and buy a Smart Card. There is also a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5807318984/in/set-72157626779894871/">TVM</a> in the Plaza, of which you can buy a 31-day pass or reload your SmartCard. Buses are Timed Transfers at The Plaza, at least on weekends.</div><div><br /></div><div>I purchased a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5806833973/in/set-72157626779894871">Smart Card</a>, It was $12, $2 for the card, plus $10 of value. You can only buy the card at the bus shop, not from a TVM or any vendors. It can be reloaded a bit easier. The biggest thing that surprised me about the card, it does not hold transfers. The only thing the card is capable of, is paying your fare. If you want to transfer, you still must obtain a paper transfer, known as a 2-hour pass. Tho, the upside is, you can buy a day pass from the farebox in with this method. Also, the smart card does not have online access to load or view balances. You are able to register the card when you buy it, but you must visit the bus shop to deal with a lost card. Fares were $1.50 per 2-hr ride, $3.50 for a day pass. They also offer rolling 31 day passes on the Smart card, and in paper media format.</div><div><br /></div><div>The equipment was newer than say TriMets. STA has purchased a handful of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5806752941/in/set-72157626779894871">Gillig Hybrids</a>. Most of STAs fleet is Gillig Low Floor, they do have a few New Flyer Artics, but they are not out to play on Saturdays (though I heard they should be out on a few routes from the riders). Personally, I do not like the low floor Gillig model, the one level windows is not optimal in the low floor section of the bus. I have heard they have issues climbing hills and running the AC at the same time. I think they look more boxy than the NF D40LFs. The neat thing I liked, was when the ramp was deployed, the<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5806755925/in/set-72157626779894871"> floor raised up a bit</a> to level off with the coach floor, making it easier to board, and not having a lip to deal with. I would take a Gillig over a Nova anyday tho! They also used a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5807318618/in/set-72157626779894871">stepped up on seating</a> inside the bus, and the buses didnt seem too trashed.</div><div><br /></div><div>You think your service ends early? Bus service in Spokane is scarce after 9:30pm on a Saturday and 7pm on a Sunday (still beats Community transit Sunday service levels). The busiest routes have 20min headway service, while most other routes are 30 min, and (most) hourly. I wasn't there for a weekday, so i have no comparisons. The buses I rode were busy, the 25 was standing room only. The busiest route I understand is the 90. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, SmartCard: Yes, Paper Transfers: Yes - Mag Stripe, DayPass Available: Yes, Hybrids in service: Yes, Frequent Weekend Service: No, Late Night Service: No. For the size of the city, the transit seemed a bit of the skeleton nature, and I read more cuts were coming. As someone who rides a lot of transit, I'd rate STA Satisfactory, it has 7 day service, but short hours of service, low fares, day pass and on board with smart card technology. The Plaza had some info on future plans, including considering Rapid Lines, Streetcar and Light rail. Will be interesting to see what STA does in the future.</div></div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-78007353145056226852011-05-17T12:21:00.000-07:002011-05-17T12:30:00.583-07:00Driving a Bus Is.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxLGCWVJONoo1g-LjnFA5JZ_h5KmjNPdkYOcmPhW1LHpUDATMnnvjFVWFT5Dp9-yiu0PUtWVPRYNYRpyTpCRUkjwX5Fe8gk-x30-jDb1uptMPRR0R5mB5TA_DPMYGEtGYbWSCd29Ld8dY/s1600/SN852437.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxLGCWVJONoo1g-LjnFA5JZ_h5KmjNPdkYOcmPhW1LHpUDATMnnvjFVWFT5Dp9-yiu0PUtWVPRYNYRpyTpCRUkjwX5Fe8gk-x30-jDb1uptMPRR0R5mB5TA_DPMYGEtGYbWSCd29Ld8dY/s320/SN852437.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602944624465839554" /></a>Have you been keeping track? If you have, you'd know its been a year, when I added "Operator" to the things I do Transit. Its been fun, its been challenging, its been a new experience. So for all those that wonder, I share my experiences, raves, and rants in:<div><br /></div><div>Driving a Bus is.......<div><br /></div><a name='more'></a><div><br /></div><div>"Learnable". I hear a lot of people say "I wouldn't want to drive those things". Why? With the help of the very patient training staff, you get the tips and tricks you need to leave your mark on a curb, and not a lamp pole or parked car. Things that I realize later, the cars are just as afraid of you as you are of them, but for the most part, you fit in your lane. And the most important part of your bus is? Take a guess.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Sightseeing". I often say "I have a corner office that rivals that of most CEOs". In an office, you can look at pictures on Twitter of the outside world, a CEO can look outside and see a few of these places, driving a bus you are those locations. From my office, I have seen Deer, Autumn Colors, snow-capped mountain ranges, and 30 different ways to wear your pants. It is possible to see something new everyday that you had not imagined before.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Entertaining". Well, this is in the eye of the beholder. If you come into this thinking your going to get a comedy show, then you will be pleasantly pleased. You would think that driving a "Less desirable" route in the morning hours is different, and it is. Though, it seems some of the prime time entertainment still finds its way on. Picture a perfectly quiet 358, only thing humming is a hybrid engine.......and potholes. A pair of ladies up front, in no particular fashion ask each other if the other has any remaining fortified beverages, apparently they were out, but they will see about solving that problem later. The quiet ride then continued. The entertainment is constantly changing, onboard and off. From a guy telling you a joke as you unload in the tunnel, to the completely out of sync dance crew on 3rd Ave, theres never a dull moment. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>"Shocking". The Stupids, i think is how most of us refer to them. The red hand means walk, the crosswalk is a sacred painting and should not be walked on, and we always make right hand turns from the left lane. Another item that never ceases to amaze me, the things people do in front of a bus.....usually without thinking about it, or missing beat. I really had no idea how big of an organization Darwin Inc is. There must be some universe I am unaware of where changing lanes directly in front of a bus is actually a good idea? Although Darwin's are no strangers to pain, theres really no other way to look at it then "that will hurt". More on this in a moment.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Disrespected". This one is simple, in general, a SOV (Single/Selfish Occupant Vehicle) will do things in front of a bus they don't do to other autos/SOVs. For example, a car wont signal if it wants to merge, or wants over in front of a bus, but will for other cars. If theres 2 cars and bus, all with the same spacing traveling down a street, a car turn will almost ALWAYS pull out in front of the bus, letting the 2 cars go, even if no cars are coming behind the bus. Some call it "Behind-the-bus-phobia", I call it disrespectful and selfish. Your SOV is not as important as the upwards of 60-100 riders onboard my bus. One other tactic in this category, SOVs that race up to cut me off, and after they do, i look back and see maybe 30, 40 car lengths behind me, I mean come on, really. Finally, the cars that tailgate another car to avoid letting me in. The "Luxury Class" is most guilty in this one, if they are not able to change lanes, they simply wont let you in, there is no way my $600k-750k vehicle getting in front of their $50k plus vehicle.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Jawdropping". The other things people do on the roadways. Cut off a bus with less than a smart car length left in front of me, and it happens so much you get used to it, and for some reason surprises me every time. The most popular is the "Nose Dive". This is the car that signals at about the first (big) window then moves over <i>as</i> they clear the corner of the bus. The signal is useless if I do not see it before you make your lane change. Theres the move over that occurs in this order: drift, signal, terminate signal, finishing drifting. What is so hard about that turn signal switch? The turn in front of a bus maneuver, this has happened only a couple of times to me, and ALL were close calls. There is NEVER a good time to make a turn from an adjacent lane and cross in front of a lane occupied by a bus. I am not referring to the ones that make a lane change listed above then makes a turn, this maneuver the vehicle is perpendicular to your vehicle when its in your path. Finally, things pedestrians do to catch a bus. In my experience, this has included 2 incidents I recall, one where one didn't look both ways before crossing an intersection to catch a bus servicing a stop. These runners don't see traffic signals, oncoming cars or buses, they see 3 people left to board and better get a move on. This person came with inches of being hit, I was able to stop in time. The second is the jaywalkers, or better jay<i>runners, </i>these run to catch your bus from the other side of the street, behind or in front of your bus. I remember once a pair of high schoolers yelling wait, then I heard car horns. I very kindly let them know my bus is never that important, they thought it was. But hey, they are teenagers and are invincible right?</div><div><br /></div><div>"Different". This is job is very different from other jobs. Theres no impressing your supervisor or Manager. Your Real boss? Just turn around and look, you can see them, watching, reading, daydreaming, listening to music. You keep your riders happy, and its a great job. Want to be a grouch, they can make things very miserable for you (tho I have no first hand experience in this). When my riders hop off and say "Thank You", Thats the real job performance feedback right there. I love seeing many different people, as well as my regulars, its an awesome mix. Bus Riders, Make the best Bus Drivers, it's true. Been on that bus that takes turns like a NASCAR, Blames schedules for their tardiness when the other driver runs it on time? These are drivers that do not ride the bus. They do not know what it is like to hold on tight, to depend on that bus to get someplace, to miss a transfer. Now, as both of driver and rider, I watch other drivers, and see what to do, and what not to do (someone in Training is thinking "Learning Bad Habits" I bet). </div><div><br /></div><div>"Rewarding". While driving a bus warrants lots of restraint (at dumbass drivers), its a lot. I still find it fascinating, I take a bus out, worth more than the cars that cut me off in any case, pick up these people who depend on me to take them home. As a long time bus rider, Its nice to return the favor, you know that feeling of the bus showing up, the driver getting you there safely and comfortably, and you hop off and your home. Even as a rider, I feel sometimes we all take it for granted, everything a driver is doing up there is more than fares and calling out stops. Sometimes we are the on board concierge, providing directions, recommendations and in some cases a review or two.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Fun". While a lot of what I said seems like complaints, its a really fun job. I take alot of the "complaints" and blow them off, you can't let them get to you, and I don't. I feel I have really mellowed out since I started this job. Driving a big bus around town, enjoying the great sights of the 4 seasons, the skyline, and crossing bodies of water, theres not too many other jobs that can top it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So Personally, my favorite route to drive so far was the <a href="http://metro.kingcounty.gov/cftemplates/show_map.cfm?BUS_ROUTE=216&DAY_NAV=W">216</a>. the 71/76 run on 50th gives me grey hairs, a narrow street where cars park on both sides....builds character i guess. I have driven the 5, 18, 21, 41, 56, 64*, 65*, 76*, 77*, 214*, 216, 218, 346, 347, 358 & 545. (*= worked a shakeup) Soon adding the 72 and 74 to that list, among some others on vacation reliefs. If you like to follow some of my adventures out there, I send some things to my <a href="http://www.twitter.com/punkrawker4783">twitter account</a> that I find interesting. </div><div><br /></div><div>So heres to another year, and lets see what new items I have for the list next time.</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-6665334912332416592011-04-30T22:44:00.000-07:002011-04-30T23:06:17.736-07:00Community Transits CEO explains her side<div>Watch this video from the Puget Sounds highest paid transit CEO:</div><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SQVx-NEtQBQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>My Response: She continues to blame the recession for another round of cuts in February. She shows the sales tax revenues dropping, but in the last year, the decline was small, and some how that still yields a 20% cut. She says bus purchases were delayed, they are receiving new buses, much of which are funded from elsewhere. She's prepared to support growth of Snohomish County, with bus <i>cuts</i>? She also mentions ridership has declined, wonder why, oh right, no Sunday service. The interview between Emmett and her say the recession appears to have no end in sight, yet they are projecting higher sales tax revenues. Buy Local for transit: this only works if those who depend on transit can get around on transit, say for example, on Sundays. She again says the revenues do not look like they are coming back, despite the projections. </div><div><br /></div><div>She promises Responsibility for today, but in this video, she was never specific on what they have cut internally, upper management wise. I think a 20% pay cut is in order for Admin and Execs, see how that adds up!</div><div><br /></div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-59305824617591045042011-04-26T09:54:00.000-07:002011-04-26T09:56:19.219-07:00Poll Results: Many of you Want ETBs to hang around<div>88% of the 27 votes I got here want to keep ETBs in the Metro System, but 11% don't, wonder why? The Public Meeting is tomorrow, and we expect the actual decision very soon.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); "><h2 class="title" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; position: relative; font: normal normal bold 14px/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 157, 12); padding-bottom: 0.5em; ">What do you want to see happen with King County Metros Trolley Bus System?</h2><div class="widget-content" id="widget-content"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="160" name="poll-widget6732286845382719024" src="http://www.google.com/reviews/polls/display/6732286845382719024/blogger_template/run_app?txtclr=%23b3b3b3&lnkclr=%23ffffff&chrtclr=%23ffffff&font=normal+normal+13px+%27Trebuchet+MS%27%2C+Trebuchet%2C+sans-serif%3B&hideq=true&purl=http%3A%2F%2Fpunkrawker4783.blogspot.com%2F" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; width: 310px; height: 101px; "></iframe></div></span></div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7181700857407507016.post-18580143597992836242011-04-14T20:47:00.001-07:002011-04-14T21:13:52.805-07:00King County Metro changes the seats<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zDPR4GEiPuSQ3TglNULMGN5bSNwov7Se9TXEmMEU-nXAuDAL4ULdtJAoAlNmwIIeAlv60tG4jTcp6ygdQOsahQALX-K6Q5mowxFCX_zZ0fypHc8Z6GNpYgjbB_7c-440bEDQwOhfxw-t/s1600/SN850024.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zDPR4GEiPuSQ3TglNULMGN5bSNwov7Se9TXEmMEU-nXAuDAL4ULdtJAoAlNmwIIeAlv60tG4jTcp6ygdQOsahQALX-K6Q5mowxFCX_zZ0fypHc8Z6GNpYgjbB_7c-440bEDQwOhfxw-t/s320/SN850024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595652065427749762" /></a>I was able to tour the newest buses about to hit the streets here in Seattle. I spent a short time looking at King County Metros newest 60' bus, and their new 40' Orions. Other photos from this visit can be found on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/">Flickr Account</a>.<div><br /></div><div>The biggest change, are the seats! Many agencies use these seats, and have for some time. They include Portlands TriMet in their <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48998917@N00/3232287286/in/pool-358140@N21/">Buses</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5514140398/in/set-72157624796938883">Trains</a>, Vancouver Translinks <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5513649861/in/set-72157624921598860">Buses</a>, Los Angeles Metro <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/metrolibraryarchive/2932325337/">Rapid Buses</a>, Philadelphia SEPTA <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/catdaddy01/4012416655/">Buses</a>, and Orange County (OCTA) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/octransit/4025050462/">Buses</a>, to name a few. Metro has been using borderline <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkrawker4783/5514310846/in/set-72157624921592966/">premium seats</a> in all its buses. Seats that are expensive to repair and replace. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been in my travels, that these new seats are durable, and despite the removal of the coil based cushions, these seats are comfortable. They are shaped ergonomically, and very space saving. The seat covering Metro chose is the same as the seats in the current in service 6800s, a vinyl, non-slip surface. These seats resist soaking up odors, spillages and more. Overall, these seats will help save Metro money, and will provide a better experience for the rider. It is very possible you will see these seats in all future Metro buses, including RapidRide, and personally I welcome the change.</div>punkrawker4783http://www.blogger.com/profile/15514346205372171158noreply@blogger.com1